Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 73)
Herentals, a small city of 28,000 people, sits at an elevation of 19 meters above sea level in the temperate oceanic climate of northern Belgium. Summers are mild, reaching around 33 degrees Celsius, while winters can dip to lows near -6 degrees Celsius, with high humidity year-round at 78 percent. The city experiences frequent cloud cover and moderate rainfall. For expats, the popular neighborhoods are Centrum and Biest, offering a small but welcoming expat community.
Living costs in Herentals are reasonable, with a cost of living index of 66 out of 100 compared to New York City. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for $691 per month, while outside the centre it is $633. For a three-bedroom, expect $921 in the centre and $806 outside. Utilities run $335 monthly, internet $60, and a mobile phone plan $26. A monthly public transport pass costs $104. An inexpensive restaurant meal is $18 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $90, and a cappuccino is $4. The average monthly net salary locally is $2,312. For a single adult, a budget tier total including rent is $1,145 per month, a mid-range tier is $1,594, and a comfortable tier is $1,877. Excluding rent, a single person's monthly cost is $1,020, while a family of four spends $3,450.
Safety is a standout feature, with a safety index of 90 out of 100 and a crime index of just 10 out of 100, indicating very low crime. Healthcare quality is rated as excellent, and English is widely spoken, making daily life easier for newcomers. The air quality index is 45, reflecting good air quality.
For those considering a move, the retirement visa program is the Long Stay National Visa (D-visa), and the digital nomad visa program is the Belgium Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $765. The nearest airport is ANR, located 14 kilometers away. Herentals suits a range of lifestyles: it scores 73 out of 100 overall for expats, 72 for FIRE, 70 for retirees, and 75 for digital nomads, with an average internet speed of 70 Mbps supporting remote work.
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Herentals at the budget tier comes to about $1,449 a month for one adult, with $633 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $176 on groceries, $72.00 on dining out, $43.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $421 on utilities and connectivity and $104 on transport.
Rent
$633/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$176/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$72.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$43.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$421/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$104/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Herentals at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,644 a month for one adult, with $633 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $235 on groceries, $179 on dining out, $72.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $421 on utilities and connectivity and $104 on transport.
Rent
$633/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$235/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$179/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$72.00/mo
2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$421/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$104/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Herentals at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,052 a month for one adult, with $691 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $329 on groceries, $377 on dining out, $130 on entertainment and lifestyle, $421 on utilities and connectivity and $104 on transport.
Rent
$691/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$329/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$377/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$130/mo
4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$421/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$104/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $690.66/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Herentals's cost of living compares with Zottegem
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Herentals is exceptionally safe for expats, with a Numbeo Safety Index of 90/100 reflecting Belgium's low violent crime rates and strong law enforcement. This small Flemish city experiences minimal street crime, theft, or scams targeting foreigners. The main concerns are petty bicycle theft and occasional property crime, typical of European towns. Neighborhoods are uniformly safe; no areas require avoidance. For Americans accustomed to U.S. crime rates, Herentals will feel remarkably secure. The primary adjustment is adapting to European cycling culture and local bureaucracy rather than safety threats.
See how Herentals's healthcare compares with Zottegem
Herentals has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers (around 33°C), cold winters (lows near -6°C), and high humidity year-round (78%), featuring frequent cloud cover and moderate rainfall typical of northern Belgium.
Safe and modern town with excellent connectivity and facilities.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus Herentals | Located in the Herentals Business Park, this Regus offers a reliable and professional environment. It's a good option for those seeking a standard coworking experience with established amenities and easy access. |
| Bar Stark | Bar Stark is a cafe with coworking facilities. It's a good option for those seeking a more relaxed and social environment. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Herentals long-term? Belgium Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.
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See how Herentals's digital nomad life compares with Zottegem
Herentals is a Flemish market town in the Kempen region, between Antwerp and Hasselt. A small expat population exists among those working in the broader Antwerp-Kempen industrial corridor.
Areas of Herentals that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Historic heart, lively atmosphere
The Centrum is the historic heart of Herentals, featuring the Grote Markt (main square), shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's walkable and offers good public transport, but can be noisy, especially during events. Expect higher prices due to its central location and tourist appeal.
Residential, family-friendly, peaceful
Noorderwijk is a quieter residential area north of the city center, popular with families. It offers a more relaxed pace of life, but requires a car or bike for convenient access to amenities. While less expat-heavy, it's a good option for those seeking tranquility.
Rural charm, village atmosphere
Morkhoven, a village within Herentals, offers a more rural setting. It's ideal for those seeking a slower pace and closer connection to nature. Public transport is less frequent, so a car is recommended. Language barriers might be more pronounced here.
Theme park adjacent, family-oriented
Known for Bobbejaanland theme park, Lichtaart is a family-oriented area. It's a bit further from the Herentals city center, offering a mix of residential and recreational opportunities. While not specifically expat-focused, its proximity to the theme park can be a draw for some.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $691/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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